The Magic of Joe Ferranti has entertained numerous audiences for over a decade. He has gained a reputation as one of the best in Close Up/Comedy Magic in the Greater Boston area.
Joe Ferranti presents two styles of Close-Up Magic. Strolling/Walk Around Magic and his very popular Intimate Parlor Show.
We would love to have a conversation with you about your event. Please call 339-927-4710 for a no pressure consultation.
As we begin, we learn a magic trick because it fascinates us. Little do we know our family may not find the same fascination. However, if you are a parent or a grandparent you are familiar with “applauding” everything our children do. On the other hand, if you do not belong to the school of, “You can become anything you want.” You may reserve your applause not wanting to see your child face disappointment.
The good news, with magic is there are many levels of performing which can be satisfying to most hobbyists to professionals. Many of our respected magicians have other jobs and still find time to perform.
Professional Magicians with other jobs
If you are a magician, a few that come to mind are John Guastaferro , John Bannon and Marc DeSousa. These gentlemen aren’t exactly hobbyists, but you get the point.
The rest of us fall somewhere in between.
Realistically, we will not attain the stature of those I named, and there is a simple reason and I do not think I have to mention it. Still, there are opportunities to perform for all who wish to, there is only one rule…”First, do no harm.” (Fact…this is not a part of the Hippocratic oath, go ahead, look it up…I’ll wait.) Here is my advice, be the best you can be, within your skill set. (BTW, we practice for life, so our skills are not static.)
Putting Together Your Show
Second, put together a show, this means you need a beginning, a middle and an end. There are many sources to learn how to do this. Don’t expect to learn this for free or by trial and error, but here's some good advice for free.
There are many sources to learn how to structure your act. If you belong to a club, seek the advice of someone who is working. Be careful not to ask everyone in your club, I’ve found that everyone likes to give advice, even those who have never actually performed.
Some magicians gladly share their shows they have structured…feel free to use that as a starting point. Do I have to mention that you should integrate your personality into the show!
Finally, do not copy any one’s act. Yes, it happens, even on the highest levels. With so many professional magicians willing to share their creations you will eventually develop your own style and have a show that is unique to you.
This is your day...A Day with memories that will last a lifetime. No matter your budget, you have likely spent more money than you anticipated. It is difficult to compromise on a celebration as important as "your Wedding Day."
why do I suggest hiring a Close up/Strolling Magician for your special day, and why you won't regret it.
First, this is a gift to your guests...yes, you will hear from your guests how much they enjoyed the entertainment. In fact, I sometimes tell this to your guests. Magic entertainers are "new" to most people...in their enthusiasm, some feel the need to tip the Magician. Although this is a kind and generous offer, I am always aware that other groups are always watching you, due to the excitement of professional level Magic. (Most Lay people have never seen a professional magician before.) Back to my point, if other people see you taking money from guests, they may mistakenly think that you are working for tips. I certainly do not want anyone to feel an obligation of feel I am soliciting donations. Of course, I know that I am well compensated for my services. Here is how I handle this situation: "Thank you very much, however, the entertainment is a gift from Dick and Jane to their guests...blah, blah...In this manner, they understand that you are compensated for your work...and they also understand the Bride and Groom were thinking of them at the cocktail hour...and they graciously accept the gift.
Speaking of the cocktail hour, it is often a little awkward with many people who have not met...the Close-Up Magician introduces many new friends to each other, and the new bond is shared through their enthusiasm.
Your Wedding is not a cookie cutter wedding. Most weddings follow a formula, if you've been to several, many will seem much alike, and they blend in as a monotone memory.
Your Wedding will stand out...I borrow a phrase or two, "Your Event will be taken to a new level."
I certainly think that is enough reason to invite me to your wedding. I will not disappoint you...that is a promise.
If you need more convincing, consider this blog from Magician Craig Petty, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-having-close-up-magician-your-wedding-best-thing-you-craig-petty
Best Wishes, Joe Ferranti Wedding Magician Boston Massachusetts
Continuing from my last entry, I was at Diamond’s Magic getting to know the owner, Eddie Gardner. It pleasantly surprised me to learn that Eddie discounted all books at 20%. I believe it was the same with VHS Videos. (It was a long time ago.) Well, at this point in my life, I had some expendable income, so my library quickly filled in.
I hesitated, as I am a bit of a loner. Never joining clubs as a young boy. I think Eddie took my hesitation as a sign that I didn’t want to pay the fee for the lecture. So, he invited me to be his guest… no charge. That was nice, but money was not the issue, just my insecurity, so I took a leap of faith and joined the club. It was a great experience. I learned a lot from the lectures and had a place to perform without judgment.
Learning the Craft of Performing Magic
The members of the club were welcoming and encouraged me to perform. I made a few friends who remain friends to this day. I still was not performing for “real people.” which refers to laypeople. However, a few of us who wanted a little more than a monthly meeting began getting together once a week. It was an additional safe space to perform.
I learned several members performed professionally or semi-professionally, something I never considered, as I always thought I was not good enough to do so.
With all the information I had with my library and videotapes, I learned Strolling/Walk Around Magic. Even when I thought I was ready, I did not want to take anyone’s money until I was confident in my ability to entertain with magic.
A friend of mine knew a woman who was putting on a graduation party for her son and recommended me as entertainment. So, I had a job, well not an actual job, as I would not take any money. I insisted on working for free.
My first performance at the Graduation party went very well. It was obvious the graduates enjoyed the magic by their excited reactions. The success of that performance gave me the confidence to proceed performing as a semiprofessional magician.
I now felt ready to go to work, and at just the right time, another friend offered to set up a website for me, at no charge. This was a game changer. I had met Walter Osterman through the SAM. We shared an interest in magic and enjoyed each other’s company at the local club and attended a few local conventions. I didn’t realize it, but Walter ran his own business, Social Mavens a marketing and communications agency.
Walter did it all. He came to my house, took pictures and some promo video. He put together a professional website and ran it for me for ten years, simply out of kindness.
If not for Walter’s efforts, I would not be doing what I enjoy in my retirement years. All I can say is THANK YOU. (In capital letters.)
Over the last eleven years, I have had a great journey. I still perform much of the same material I used in my first performance. The material evolves with repeated performances. You get some of the best lines by listening to your audience. The more opportunities you have to perform improves every aspect of the material. I am still learning and working at being a better entertainer each time I perform.
Referring to being a semi professional is intentional to not ruffle the feathers of the “professionals”. I deliver professional caliber magic, but I don’t pay all my bills, health insurance, etc. from my magic income. (I pay taxes on it.)
As for the full-time professionals, I have the ultimate respect. A serious professional needs to work constantly, and earn enough to pay for their own health care, not to mention, setting up their own investments for their retirement. This requires serious self discipline, and few “pros” really commit strictly to this regiment.
Advice on becoming a Professional Magician
If you decide to take this path, I would recommend you seek the wisdom of Paul Gertner.
If you ask nicely, I know Paul will share the “secrets of success”. I’m talking about the business side requirements. Paul is one of the most successful trade show magicians of my time.
What he cannot share is his hard earned talent. His list of accomplishments is very long. You may have heard of him from his appearances on Penn and Teller Fool Us. Magicians know Paul for his Steel and Silver routine. Which is a cups and balls routine with steel ball bearings. The steel balls make the trick “impossible” to understand for magicians and laypeople. He has contributed magic to David Copperfield. Also contributing material to the fraternity. He put out a VHS/DVD series named after his book Steel and Silver. One of his most popular card tricks in his book and videos series, “Unshuffled” has found its way into the repertoire of many working magicians.
If you live in the Boston area and want a Parlor Show or Strolling Magician, please contact me. 339-927-4710 The Very Best in Close-Up Magic! (except for Paul Gertner and a couple others, call me and I’ll let you know who they are.)
Thanks for making it through 5 blogs of Magical Beginnings.
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